By Richard Luthmann
In a vote this past week, California’s 18th Congressional District Representative Zoe Lofgren sided with drunk drivers over community safety. Now, she is feeling the backlash from anti-drunk driving advocacy groups and the Hispanic community, particularly after the loss of Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Deputy Arturo Romero. The 51-year-old law enforcement veteran and father of five fell victim to a DUI crash last year, just months before his retirement.
A Decision Against the Community Safety Numbers
Lofgren’s decision to oppose the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act has sparked a firestorm of criticism, especially in light of recent alarming drunk driving statistics. This legislation, aimed at preventing non-U.S. nationals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) from entering or remaining in the United States, was deemed crucial by many for enhancing road safety. Lofgren’s “nay” comes amid a backdrop of a significant rise in DUI-related fatalities and injuries, casting a long shadow over her campaign in the forthcoming primary election.